Too Explicit? HK Sex Education Book Raises Eyebrows

“Where do I come from?” Chinese parents are often stunned when asked this question by their children. Recently, a series of pictures from a Hong Kong sex education textbook answering this question in simple language and illustrations was posted on China’s popular discussion forum MOP.

Many netizens praised the textbook’s usefulness. They said when they had asked their mothers the same question as kids, their mothers had told them they were picked from the rubbish bin, which made them sad for a long time. One user said, “My father told me I came out from his armpit. So I thought I was born by my father until entering junior high school!” Another: “My grandma had always told me I was a fruit from a tree. I trusted her and didn’t figure out until my teenage years. Alas, so tragic~”

However, some found two of the illustrations that explain sexual intercourse and childbirth too explicit. One net user said, “The more it tells, the deeper the kids are going to dig. Then you will feel more embarrassed.”

"They will kiss, hug and have sexual intercourse. Sexual intercourse is an intimate way of expressing love between Mummy and Daddy. Dad will put his penis into Mummy's vagina."

The sex education book was compiled by the Family Planning Association of Hong Kong and targeted kids between the ages of three and six. Grace Lee, the education officer in charge, said it is one of the book series titled Tak Tak Kar Kar Sexuality Education Series for young children. She suggested that parents can let kids read the books step by step and tell them that sex is an act of intimacy between two adults. “Parents should cope with children’s curiosity as such with a natural mindset.”

The association even designed Tak Tak and Kar Kar, a pair of sex education dolls featuring sex organs and secondary characteristics, to demonstrate intercourse.

The entire series of illustrations

"Where do I come from?"

"Where do I come from?"

"You are formed by the combination of a sperm and an egg."

"Mom's ovary produces eggs. An egg has a round shape. It looks like an omelette."

"Dad's testicles produce sperm. A sperm looks like a tadpole. It has a pointy head and a long tail."

"Daddy and Mummy love each other very much. They like to be together, live together, and share their deepest thoughts and feelings."

"They will kiss, hug and have sexual intercourse. Sexual intercourse is an intimate way of expressing love between Mummy and Daddy. Dad will put his penis into Mummy's vagina."

"Dad's penis will release a large quantity of sperm into Mummy's vagina."

"After one sperm combines with the egg, it will gradually grow into a foetus."

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